Wildfires are the result of a large variety and number of interacting components, producing patterns that vary significantly both spatially and temporally.

This session will examine models, theory, empirical studies, new and innovative technologies for wildfire research as well as the relation between atmospheric circulation and wildfires.
Research topics include, but are not limited to:
• pre-fire planning and risk management;
• fire detection and monitoring;
• post-fire evaluation : burned area mapping, fire severity estimation, fire damage at different temporal and spatial scales ( changes in the composition of vegetation, decrease in forests, loss of biodiversity, soil degradation, alteration of landscape patterns and ecosystem functioning)
• post-fire vegetation recovery.
• remote sensing and innovative technologies for wildfire
• fire impacts on the environment, in particular on the atmosphere and human health
• relation between wildfires and social and economical changes
• influence of weather and climate/climate change on wildfire activity

The conference will bring together wildfire hazard managers, researchers, and theoreticians. Both Oral and Poster presentations are very much encouraged, as we plan to have both lively oral and poster sessions.
Previous Spatial and temporal patterns of wildfires: models, theory, and reality sessions (2008, 2009) resulted in outstanding progress made in fire research, with the publication of two special issues of international journals: Ecological Modeling (2008) and NHESS (2009), JAG (2011).

Selected papers presented at 2011 NH7.2/ESSI19/SSS49 will be considered for publication in a Special Issue of an International Journal.